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First Game a Positive Experience for Women's Lacrosse
MU notched a pair of goals in first game

Molly McQuade, Marquette's first-ever signee, started for the Golden Eagles on defense against Notre Dame.

Sept. 25, 2012

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The Marquette University women's lacrosse team kicked off its inaugural fall campaign Saturday morning against Notre Dame at Arlotta Stadium in a very positive experience for the Golden Eagles program.

"I am extremely proud of the way the ladies competed out there in our first game," Marquette head coach Meredith Black said. "Everyone who was able to play saw action and gave it their best effort. We had some turnovers due to first-game jitters, but our response to those was really positive. The team hustled back and there were some really positive things we took out of the experience."

The game was the first intercollegiate contest for Marquette, which was led against the Fighting Irish by Notre Dame alumnae in Black and assistant coach Jackie Doherty.

"The biggest positive that we took out of the game was confidence in ourselves and the program to compete at the NCAA Division I level," Black said. "There was also a level of excitement and enthusiasm which will propel us during our practices and provide a measuring stick for what we need to work on."

Katie Bathon notched Marquette's first goal in program history midway through the first period off a free position attempt (goal is at the 21-second mark in the video embedded above).

"I received a pass from Kenzie Brown and was fouled as I was driving to the goal," Bathon said. "I shot left corner off the free position and was able to beat the goalie. It was very surreal. I didn't really understand when it happened, but then it hit me. It was a great experience and I am happy that I was able to score our first goal, but I'm happier for our coaches and teammates."

The moment was extra special for Bathon whose parents, both Marquette graduates, and brother, Chris, a former walk-on football player at Notre Dame, were in the stands.

"The entire crowd cheered loudly," said Black of Bathon's goal. "The bench was jumping up and down and the whole team was excited. It was a really special moment when the referee gave us the game ball."

Brown, a freshman, added a second goal for MU in the middle of a third period of play off another free position.

"Seeing how excited everyone was to be playing against another team and not against each other in practice was special," Bathon said. "It was a great moment seeing the excitement on everyone's faces and the potential we have as a group and how much we can improve."

Freshman Sarah Priem started in net for the Golden Eagles and played roughly the first 35 minutes with a running clock. Fellow goalies Emma Salter and Jennifer Zandlo saw 30 and 25 minutes of action, respectively.

"The girls were energized and excited," Black said of the contest. "It was so good to finally get out there and play. We know that we have a lot to work on, but we are motivated to improve. Our very last game of the regular season is at Notre Dame, so it's our first and our last games this year. It will be great to see how we improve from now until the end of April."

The Golden Eagles will host their first game at Valley Fields Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. against Grand Valley State. The contest will take place on the eastern-most field along Canal Street and is free for all to attend.